Joe Kirby of Off the Kirb Ministries recently released a wide-ranging video exploring the many Christian denominations around the world. With his usual mix of humor, candor and conviction, Kirby laid out the differences between various traditions while pointing believers back to the one thing that truly matters: the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
“I am going to get a lot of hate for saying this,” Kirby admitted, “but Jesus did tip us off to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. And not everyone who says they are Christian are Christian.” Even so, his heart throughout the message was not division but unity, pointing listeners to the cross.
A Walk Through Denominations
Kirby explained that every denomination has its history, emphases and distinctives. Here is how he summarized them:
- Roman Catholicism: Largest Christian denomination with the Pope in Rome as leader. Practices include praying to saints, using the rosary, honoring Mary, confession to priests and belief that communion bread and wine truly become Christ.
- Protestantism: Prayers go directly to God, no rosary, Mary is respected but not exalted, sins confessed directly to God and communion is symbolic.
- Word of Faith / Prosperity Gospel: Centered in the U.S. and Nigeria, this movement teaches that faith can unlock blessings, wealth and health. Kirby warned against it, saying it conflicts with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves and take up our cross.
- Orthodox Christianity: Found across Greece, Russia, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa. Worship is mystical and ancient. They believe communion becomes Jesus but do not follow the Pope.
- Anglican / Episcopal: Originated in England under King Henry VIII, with wide variation from liturgical cathedrals to casual evangelical services.
- Lutheran: Began with Martin Luther’s Reformation. Focused on salvation by grace through faith and the authority of Scripture.
- Presbyterian: Rooted in John Calvin’s teaching, strong in Scotland and the U.S. Emphasizes covenant theology and infant baptism.
- Pentecostal: Known for passionate worship, speaking in tongues, miracles and revival focus. Growing rapidly across the globe.
- Amish / Anabaptist: Found mainly in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Value adult baptism, simplicity and separation from modern technology.
- Reformed / Calvinist: Strong in the Netherlands, South Africa and online. Emphasizes God’s sovereignty and predestination, with a focus on believers’ baptism.
- Mormon (LDS): Began with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Believe Jesus is separate from the Father and that people can become gods.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses: Known for door-to-door evangelism. Reject the Trinity and see Jesus as God’s first creation. Believe 144,000 will reign with Christ in heaven while others live forever on earth.
- Seventh-day Adventists: Observe Saturday Sabbath, abstain from certain foods, emphasize health and mission and focus on Christ’s soon return.
- Plymouth Brethren: Keep church simple with no paid pastors and structured gatherings.
- Quakers: Emphasize silence, inner light and peace.
- Moravians: Older than Protestants, known for music, unity and simple devotion.
- Christadelphians: Deny the Trinity, teach Jesus is God’s Son but not God Himself and await His return to rule on earth.
- Methodists: Founded by John Wesley, emphasize grace, holiness and community. Strong globally but declining in the UK.
- Progressive Christians: Not a denomination but a movement. Often reinterpret the Bible more loosely, leading to unbiblical conclusions.
Order Jonathan Cahn’s Newest Book, “The Avatar” on Amazon.com!
Where Kirby Stands
After listing so many denominations, Kirby finally addressed the question he often receives: what denomination does he belong to? “Even though going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car,” he said, “I believe it is crucial for our faith to be in regular fellowship with other Christians.”
He described himself as leaning Baptist with some “quirky edges,” but made it clear that his allegiance is not to a label. “There is only one denomination in heaven and it’s called the forgiven,” Kirby declared. “Not the Baptists, not the Methodists, not the Pentecostals, not the Anglicans, not the theologically sound or the most spiritual, just the forgiven. Just sinners who’ve thrown themselves on the mercy of Jesus Christ.”
The Gospel at the Center
Kirby closed his video not with denominational debates but with a call to the heart of the Christian faith. “Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. He came to rescue the lost. And that includes me, and that includes you,” he said. Quoting Scripture, he reminded viewers, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And the wages of sin is death. But here is the good news. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
For Kirby, the conclusion is simple and unifying: no matter what denomination believers belong to, what matters most is whether they have been forgiven through Jesus Christ. “At the end of the day, Christianity isn’t about climbing your way up to God through rituals and perfect theology,” he said. “It’s about a God who came down to us, who wrapped Himself up in a human skin, walked in our shoes and died in our place.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
